Researchers at UCLA say that for the first time, they’ve
found brain damage in children who were exposed to methamphetamine in the womb.
These children show damage that is similar to that found in fetal alcohol
exposed children – and in some areas of the brain – the damage is even more
severe.

The research team, led by UCLA professor Elizabeth Sowell, used
MRI scans to compare the brains of 61 children (the average age was 11) born to
mothers who had either:

Abused
alcohol while pregnant

Abused
alcohol and methamphetamine while pregnant

Not
abused either substance while pregnant

MRI scans show that meth exposed children show shrinkages in
the same areas of the brain as alcohol exposed children. Meth exposed children,
however, show greater shrinkage in the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain
that controls learning, memory and motivation. Meth exposed children also show
an enlargement in the cingulated cortex, an area of the brain that regulates conflict
and self control – something that professor Sowell says could result in
developmental delays through adolescence and into adulthood.

Significantly, using I.Q. information and MRI brain scans, the
researchers were also able to predict with accuracy which children had been
exposed to drugs prenatally. This could help doctors develop accurate diagnoses
and treatments for children suffering behavioral or learning deficits who may
be lacking complete medical histories (in some adoptions, for example).

Commenting on the significance of the research, Sowell said,
"The tragedy here is that all these developmental problems are 100 percent
avoidable. The important message is to urge drug abusing women to seek
treatment during pregnancy."

Read this before you start your meth detox and find out: what to expect, whether you need an outpatient or residential detox (or whether you can do it on your own), how to stay safe and how to make it through protracted withdrawals. Read Article